North West Province DestinationsKoster, Bojanala Region

Koster is essentially a farming community. Lying between Rustenburg and Lichtenburg its closest neighbours in the North West are the small communities of Derby and Swartruggens.

Koster is linked to the Magaliesberg by the R509 and to Ventersdorp by the R53 and R52 respectively.

On the face of it there is little to attract tourists, other than a lovely little church and a golf course. Major roads might be tarred, but sand roads tend to wash away in the electric storms so common on the Highveld. The town itself has a collection of reasonably priced homes, several petrol stations, a Landmark, the Highway Café that sells anything from Coke to blankets to the locals, and the Ke Monate tavern and café, that combine to make up a rather eclectic mix typical of the area.

But a stay in Koster is not about the immediate town's appeal. Rather it is the private game reserves, farm stays and lodges around Koster to which people who live in Johannesburg and its surrounds escape for weekends, or longer breaks.

Pretty farm cottages and upmarket guest farms and game lodges are but two hours north west of Johannesburg, via Krugersdorp and the Magaliesburg.

The area includes the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, hiking trails in Swartruggens, Rustenburg and Groot Marico, Magaliesberg Canopy Tours and the town of Marico where the HC Bosman Living Museum charts the life of Herman Charles Bosman - who wrote no fewer than 100 short stories about the people and life of the area.

The added attractions of the Lost City Golf Club, Buffelspoort Dam and vast open spaces make a trip to Koster more than worthwhile.